Rivera warns Patriots face emotional test in Super Bowl rematch
New England will open the 2026 season against Seattle, with the Super Bowl champions due to raise their title banner before the rematch.
The New England Patriots will begin the 2026 NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch that former Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera says will force the Super Bowl losers to revisit their defeat.
Seattle is scheduled to raise its championship banner before hosting New England. Rivera told Fox Sports the ceremony could intensify the experience for the Patriots, who will have a field-level reminder of the earlier game before the new season begins.
Rivera drew on Carolina’s own experience after the Panthers lost 24–10 to Denver in Super Bowl 50. Carolina then travelled to Denver for the 2016 season opener and lost 21–20.
Rivera said he remains bitter about an incompletion involving Carolina receiver Jerricho Cotchery, which he believed should have been ruled a catch. He also recalled speaking to his players about focusing on the upcoming game while the banner ceremony took place.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has rejected the idea of dwelling on the previous contest. He said New England would need to play and coach better to give itself a chance in Seattle, framing the rematch as a test of preparation rather than a continuation of the Super Bowl.
Rivera described the arrangement as particularly difficult for the losing team, while acknowledging that Seattle is entitled to celebrate its championship.
